Calif. signs bills to boost social network privacy

Thursday

Sep 27, 2012 at 7:40 PM

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a pair of privacy bills making it illegal for employers and colleges to demand access to social media accounts.

Brown announced on Thursday that he signed AB1844 by Assemblywoman Nora Campos, a Democrat from San Jose. The bill prohibits employers from demanding user names and passwords from employees and job applicants.

The restriction does not apply to passwords or information used on employer-issued electronic devices.

The governor also signed SB1349 by Sen. Leland Yee, a Democrat from San Francisco. The companion bill makes it illegal for colleges and universities to demand social media user names and passwords from students and prospective students.

Brown announced the bills via Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus. He says the legislation will protect Californians from "unwarranted invasions."

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